"Over the past four days Rory played perhaps some of the best golf we have ever witnessed," he said.

"To have led from the first day of the tournament to the last shows a maturity and composure far beyond his years."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the manner of the Holywood golfer's success was "nothing short of incredible", following his disappointment at the Masters in Augusta in April.

"The manner in which he has conducted himself this weekend, showing tremendous resilience and character following the disappointment of this loss at Augusta, is a tremendous example to us all," he added.

Superstar

"This win follows on from Graeme McDowell's great win last year and I am very pleased to be able to say that our local golfers are among the very best in the world and I have no doubt that both Rory and Graeme will go on to win further Majors."

McDowell also expressed his delight at McIlroy's achievement and said he was the best golfer he had "ever seen".

It is understood Northern Ireland golfer Darren Clarke has withdrawn from this week's European Tour event in Munich because he wants to be at the homecoming party for McIlroy.